Visual Identity and Illustration for Native Dryland Forest Restoration

Nāpuʻu, the historical name for the ahupuaʻa of Puʻuwaʻawaʻa and Puʻuanahulu, is managed by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Located in North Kona on the Island of Hawaiʻi, the area encompasses 38,885 acres of dryland forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Over 95% of Hawaiʻi's native dryland forests have been lost to fire, invasive species, and drought, making restoration efforts at Nāpuʻu critical to the survival of rare and endangered native species.

I worked with Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management (NNRM) on two key projects: a comprehensive visual identity system and a series of detailed botanical illustrations for education and outreach.

The logo system is built around topographic contour lines derived from Puʻuwaʻawaʻa itself, creating a mark that functions as both a map and a fingerprint. The identity includes multiple logo lockups, color palettes pulled from the dryland landscape, and flexible applications across print and digital formats. The concept ties directly to place and the hands-on work of restoration.

The botanical illustrations showcase five native Hawaiian dryland species, each rendered in multiple formats: full-color artwork, line art for coloring pages, and inverted versions for stamps and stickers. The illustrations required extensive research, on-site photography at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa, and careful composition to highlight the unique characteristics of each plant for educational use.

Both projects were designed to support NNRMs mission of restoration and public engagement, providing adaptable visual tools for outreach, educational materials, and merchandise.

‍